Quantitative basin modeling: present state and future developments towards predictability

A critique review of the state of quantitative basin modeling is presented. Over the last 15 years, a number of models are proposed to advance our understanding of basin evolution. However, as of present, most basin models are two dimensional (2-D) and subject to significant simplifications such as depth- or effective stress-dependent porosity, no stress calculations, isotropic fracture permeability, etc. In this paper, promising areas for future development are identified. The use of extensive data sets to calibrate basin models requires a comprehensive reaction, transport, mechanical (RTM) model in order to generate the synthetic response. An automated approach to integrate comprehensive basin modeling and seismic, well-log and other type of data is suggested. The approach takes advantage of comprehensive RTM basin modeling to complete an algorithm based on information theory that places basin modeling on a rigorous foundation. Incompleteness in a model can self-consistently be compensated for by an increase in the amount of observed data used. The method can be used to calibrate the transport, mechanical, or other laws underlying the model. As the procedure is fully automated, the predictions can be continuously updated as new observed data become available. Finally, the procedure makes it possible to augment the model itself as new processes are added in a way that is dictated by the available data. In summary, the automated data/model integration places basin simulation in a novel context of informatics that allows for data to be used to minimize and assess risk in the prediction of reservoir location and characteristics

Comparison of autogeneous and homogeneous nasal dorsal onlay grafts in an experimental design

An experimental model was used for the comparative evaluation of autogeneous and homogeneous nasal dorsal onlay cartilage grafts. This study was conducted on 18 adult white New Zealand male rabbits. Nasal septal cartilage (NSC), sliced nasal septal cartilage (SNSC) and auricular cartilage (AC) grafts were prepared in autogeneous and homogeneous forms and placed into the subcutaneous pockets of the nasal dorsum of rabbits. After a period of 3 months, the animals were painlessly killed, and each site was analyzed histologically for inflammation, neovascularization, fibrosis and resorption. Inflammation, fibrosis and neovascularization were found to be significantly more extensive in the homogeneous graft groups and autogeneous SNSC group 3 months after implantation. Resorption was significantly high in both homogeneous and autogeneous AC groups and significantly low in the autogeneous and homogeneous SNSC groups. There was no significant difference between the homogeneous and autogeneous grafts in terms of resorption rates. In conclusion, the results of this experimental study demonstrate that resorption was lesser than expected in the sliced cartilage graft and that homologous cartilage graft applications had activity and reliability similar to that of autogenous cartilage grafts